BIS Standards for Cosmetics Manufacturing – Everything You Need to Know

The cosmetics Industry in India is growing at an unprecedented pace, with an ever-increasing demand for skincare, haircare, and personal grooming products. However, in a market flooded with brands and products, quality and safety become non-negotiable. That’s where the Bureau of Indian Standerds steps in. As the National Standards Body of India, BIS ensures that cosmetic products meet the highest safety, performance, and labelling requirements. For manufacturers, compliance with BIS Standard is not a legal mandate-It’s strong trust signal to consumers.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about BIS standards for comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about BIS standards for cosmetics manufacturing.

Understanding BIS and Its Role in Cosmetics

BIS operates under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and responsible for standardization, quality control, and product certification in India.

When it comes to cosmetics, BIS works alongside:

• The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
• The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945
• Specific Indian Standerds for different cosmetic categories 

These standards ensure that cosmetics are safe, non-toxic, and manufactured in hygienic conditions.

Why BIS Standards for Cosmetics Manufacturing Is Mandatory 

For businesses in the cosmetic sector,  BIS standards bring multiple benefits:

• Consumer Safety – Prevent use of harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and unsafe ingredients.
• Quality Consistency – Ensure uniformity across batches and long-term product stability.
• Legal Compliance – Helps manufacturers avoid penalties, seizures, or license cancellations. 
• Market Trust – BIS-certified products enjoy higher credibility with retailers and customers.
• Export Readiness – BIS Certification is recognised globally, boosting market access.

Key BIS Standards for Cosmetics

BIS has issued specific IS codes for various types of cosmetic products. Here are some of the most important ones:

Manufacturing & Facility Requirments 

To comply with BIS standards, cosmetic manufacturing must meet Good Manufacturing Practices under Schedule M-11 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules:

• Hygienic Premises – Well-ventilated, pest-free production areas 
• Qualified Staff – Technical experts for quality control and testing 
• Controlled Environmental – Safe handling for raw materials and finished goods 
• Testing Facilities – In house of BIS-recognized lab testing 
• Waste Management – Environmentally safe disposal methods 

BIS Labelling & Packaging Norms 

BIS standards also apply clear and accurate labelling, which must include:

1. Product Name and description 
2. Manufacturer’s details 
3. Batch/Lot number and manufacturing date 
4. Net quantity 
5. Ingredients list in descending order 
6. Directions for use 
7. Warnings or precautions
8. BIS Certificate Mark

Step-By-Step Process BIS Standards for Cosmetics Manufacturing

Here’s how cosmetic manufacturing can obtain BIS certification:

1. Identify Applicable Standerds: Check the IS code relevant to your product type.
2. Application Submission: Apply online via the Manak Online Portal with products details, GMP compliance, and lab reports.
3. Product Testing: Get your cosmetic tested at a BIS-recognised laboratory.
4. Factory Inspection: BIS officers inspect the manufacturing facility for hygiene, process control, and compliance.
5. License Approval: If all requirements are met, BIS issues a license, allowing use of the ISI Mark.

Penalties For Non-Compliance 

Manufacture who ignore BIS standards risk:

• Product recall or seizure 
• Heavy fines 
• License cancellation 
• Legal action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Art 

Best Practices for Easy BIS Compliance

• Regularly monitor BIS updates and amendments
• Maintain batch-wise test reports
• Use only BIS-approved raw materials and colorants
• Train staff on GMP and quality protocols
• Conduct internal audits before BIS inspections

Common Challenges in BIS Compliance

Manufacturers often face hurdles like:

• Delays in lab testing due to rejections from microbial contamination.
• Non-availability of BIS-approved raw materials.
• Factory layout not meeting hygiene requirements.
• Frequent standard updates requiring formulation changes.

Proactive quality control and staying informed on BIS updates can help avoid these issues.

How ELT Corporate Can Help

At ELT Corporate, we specialize in BIS Certification services for electronic products, including power banks. We offer:

• End-to-end application support
• Testing coordination with BIS labs
• Documentation & portal filing
• Post-certification compliance advisory

Conclusion

For cosmetic manufacturers in India, BIS standards are more than just regulatory requirements—they’re a gateway to trust, quality, and market success. Whether you produce lipsticks, shampoos, or herbal creams, adhering to BIS specifications ensures your products are safe, reliable, and competitive in both domestic and international markets.